Guwahati Municipal Corporation Commissioner Narayan Konwar tells Abhishek Law of the challenges the smart city project faces and the changes it will bring: Excerpts from an interview:

What changes will we see immediately, and in the long run?

The pan-city proposal looks to overhaul the traffic system and introduce smart solutions. The other looks to tackle the issue of urban flooding. We are also looking to develop the riverbanks of the Brahmaputra, the Mora Bharalu and the Bharalu rivers.

Is any land required for the project?

Not in the city. In the retro-fit plan we will realign traffic movements on the roads, by providing different lanes for different vehicles. In the case of riverbank development, we might need to evict some illegal occupants from government land.

Will the GMC part-fund the project?

Right now, the GMC is not in a position to make huge contributions to the project. Revenues have gone up for this fiscal, but even then we will be relying on the State government for grants.

Will a change of political power in the State impact project implementation?

I do not see any change in political power affecting this project. The smart city project and the proposals to address urban flooding or traffic decongestion are not partisan issues. I’m confident that everyone, irrespective of political affiliation, will support these proposals.

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